The success of any evacuation depends on common sense, logic and presence of mind. Because panic is an ever-present danger in any emergency, it is essential that Building Evacuation Monitors remain calm, assertive, and thorough in the performance of their role.

When do we evacuate?

A building evacuation will occur when a fire alarm sounds or upon notification from Campus Security. Fire alarms may stop ringing; always continue to evacuate.

The Campus Security Director is the point of contact for arriving Fire/Police Officials and will report nature and location of emergency and status of evacuation.

Protocol for All Evacuees

Follow the fastest and safest route allowed by the particular emergency.

Do not use elevators to leave the building.

If you are unable to evacuate the building, go to the nearest Safety Zone area on each floor next to the elevators.

Use the Safety Zone’s emergency intercom to transmit your location to the monitoring service; the monitor will notify emergency personnel to assist you in evacuation.

Do not return to the building until the appropriate Building Manager signals it is safe to do so.

Evacuation Instructions for Faculty Members Holding Classes

Announce evacuation; have everyone leave the classroom as quickly and safely as possible.

If time allows, shut windows, turn lights off, and close doors.

Instruct students to meet you at the Designated Assembly Area after completing evacuation.

Meet your class at the Designated Assembly Area, check to make sure all students are present.

Provide information at the Command Post concerning injuries or other emergency conditions. Try to remain calm. Your students will be looking to you for direction and leadership in an emergency situation. Be prepared to help them.

Procedures for Evacuating People with Disabilities

Communicate the nature of the emergency, if known, to the person.

Ask how the person would like to be assisted.

Evacuate mobility aids with person, if possible.

Escort person to a Safety Zone area next to an elevator if unable to evacuate. An emergency intercom located in each elevator’s Safety Zone should be used to contact the intercom monitor.

Visual Impairments

Describe the nature of the emergency, if known, and offer to guide person to the nearest exit.

Have the person take your elbow and guide him/her to the Designated Assembly Area.

Advise the person along the way of obstacles such as stairs, narrow passageways or overhanging objects.

At the Designated Assembly Area, orient the person and ask if further assistance is needed.

Hearing Impairments

Communicate with the hearing-disabled person through writing, hand gestures or lip-reading and follow evacuation procedures.